Elizabeth, my birth giver—I refuse to call her “mom” because she’s far from one—is the worst human to ever exist, and she had no problem with letting me know how much of a disappointment I was to hergrowing up.
“Lilly?”
Fuck, I’m getting in my head again, aren’t I?
“I uh, I better get going.” I say, turning to walk past him, filling my water bottle up long forgotten.
He says something, but I don’t register it in my mind as I walk further down the corridor, not bothering to glance back to see if he’s still standing there. Because I know he is, I could feel his eyes piercing holes into the back of my skull. Pushing the door to the conference room open, I spot Lakelyn in the same place I left her, texting away, and chewing relentlessly on her gum still.
“Is Hunter here yet?” I ask, glancing around the room.
“Negative.” She smacks her gum.
He’s running a little late, that’s fine. Walking over to the desk, I take a seat and place mystillempty water bottle down on the table with more force than intended.
“We need to talk.” I say, twisting in my chair to look at her.
“Hmmm?”
“You need to stop asking them for their numbers,” I arrange my notepad on the desk. “It makes us look unprofessional.”
I get this isn’t a “real” job and it’s just a potential article for the Riverside Gazette, but I couldn’t have the hockey team thinking those who are journalism majors are like this, because we’re not. Some of us are actually serious about our future career.
“Why? You jealous they’re not giving you their numbers?” She smirks.
I roll my eyes just as the door opens and Hunter walks in. “Don’t askfor his number.” I hiss lowly so he doesn’t hear as he clears his throat and approaches us.
Lakelyn leans back into the chair, folding her arms across her chest as she mumbles something incoherent under her breath. Ignoring her, I turn my attention toward Hunter as she settles into the chair opposite me.
“Thanks for taking the time and doing this, we really appreciate it.” I say, with a smile on my face.
“No worries.” He responds, returning the smile.
I flip open my notebook on the page with all my questions just as Lakelyn brings out her nail file and begins filing her nails, for the third time today. I shoot her a glare, and she smirks at me. I swear she’s doing this to deliberately annoy me at this point.
Take a deep breath…and release.
“Before we get started, are there any topics off limits?” I ask.
“What do you mean?” Hunter responds, confused.
Twirling the pen in my hand, I answer. “Like is there anything you’re not comfortable speaking about? For example—family, future plans…” I trail off more potential trigger warnings.
“No,” he shakes his head. “Nothing is off limits.”
“Okay, cool,” I smile at him. “Shall we get started then?”
Chapter 6
Greyson
Hoisting my backpack on my shoulder, I descend the stairs of my lecture hall, weaving through the throng of students, and narrowly avoiding a collision with someone who’s rushing past me.
Today has been draining to say the least. It started with an intense two-hour practice session which left me already feeling worn out, and then I had a series of back-to-back lectures that seemed never ending. By the time the final lecture rolled around, I could barely keep my eyes open.
Although it’s late afternoon, and I really shouldn’t…caffeine is definitely needed. Pulling my phone out my pocket, dozens of messages from people I’ve been actively avoiding pour onto my screen as I search for the group chat with the boys to see if they want anything while I’m at Leon’s.
Future NHL babies!!!????
